- Your Questions, Answered Live!
Join us:
- Wednesday 23rd September 2026
- 4pm BST/5pm CET/7pm GST
- Virtual via Zoom
The forum is a unique patient-focused event designed to inform, empower, and support you.
- Ask your fertility-related questions
- Gain practical tips
- Receive trusted guidance from an expert panel
- Connect with NOW-fertility consultants and other fertility professionals in a welcoming and community-feel space
Hosted by
Dr Antoine Abu Musa​
Consultant in Reproductive Medicine & Infertility
@nowfertilitycare
IVF: A Flexible Pathway to Parenthood
The journey to pregnancy varies widely, and for many, medical support becomes an important part of building a family. IVF offers a versatile, effective option that can be adapted to different circumstances, empowering individuals and couples to move forward with confidence.
A Treatment That Adapts to You
IVF is uniquely flexible, supporting a wide range of fertility needs, including:
- Male factor infertility — IVF with ICSI can overcome challenges such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape by injecting a single healthy sperm directly into an egg. Even when sperm must be retrieved surgically, such as in obstructive azoospermia, IVF with ICSI can make fertilisation possible.
- Single-parent family building — IVF empowers single women to pursue parenthood independently using safe, high‑quality donor sperm from licensed clinics or sperm banks.
- Blocked fallopian tubes — IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, offering one of the most effective treatments when natural fertilisation cannot occur.
- Genetic testing and gender selection — Where permitted, PGT can assess embryos for chromosomal normalcy and gender, supporting medical needs or family balancing.
- Previously frozen eggs — IVF allows women to use eggs frozen earlier in life, offering greater control over future family planning.
Research Roundup -
Do sperm swim better in summer?
A recent study* found that sperm motility—how effectively sperm swim—was highest in summer and lowest in winter, even in a warm climate.
Researchers analysed semen samples from over 15,000 men aged 18 – 45 in Denmark and Florida.
They found that sperm motility for both locations was consistently highest in June and July and lowest in December and January, despite Florida remaining warm all year round.
However they found no changes in total sperm concentration irrespective of time of year, suggesting that seasonal patterns may influence male fertility beyond just temperature differences alone.
For healthy sperm, the testes—where sperm are stored—work best at 2–4°C cooler than the body’s 37°C. Temperatures above or below this range can reduce sperm motility and affect fertility.
The researchers noted that their findings help deepen our understanding of male reproductive health and may also help improve fertility outcomes.
*Lassen, E., Pacey, A.A., Skytte, AB. et al. Seasonal trends in sperm quality in Denmark and Florida. Reprod Biol Endocrinol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-026-01537-w
Ask the Experts -
How can a fertility coach help?
The heart of fertility coaching lies in providing emotional support and helping patients step back from the whirlwind of their treatment. Through active, compassionate listening and a deep understanding of fertility treatments, a coach helps patients take a step back, regain perspective and clarity, make more balanced decisions and feel more in control, even when the journey is unpredictable.
Support also includes helping patients develop simple, concrete strategies to navigate this delicate period more calmly and positively. Small, practical adjustments can ease daily routines, support wellbeing, reconnect patients with joy and pleasure, and keep them anchored to what truly matters. In essence, these tools help them continue living as normally as possible, even in the middle of their fertility treatment.
Alongside individual sessions, many patients might find real comfort in joining group conversations with others experiencing similar challenges. Spaces in which each individual feels deeply understood, reassured and supported, sharing and benefiting from the experience and practical tips of others.
As a fertility coach, I bring this approach to every person I accompany. My intention is to offer a space where patients feel understood, supported, and fully equipped to move through their journey with more positivity and confidence.
Stephanie Toulemonde Â
Fertility Coach
@stephanie_toulemonde_coaching
In conversation with
Dr Nicolas Darazi
Consultant in Reproductive Medicine & Infertility​
@nowfertilitycare
Events & Activities
NOW-fertility Connect
23rd September 2026, 4pm BST/5pm CET/7pm GST via Zoom
Whether you are seeking treatment, looking for answers, needing reassurance or simply being empowered in the choices you make about fertility care, NOW-fertility Connect forum is for you.
Ask your questions live or follow @nowfertilitycare and DM them in advance.
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Special Offer
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Contributors Panel
Cassie Destino
Founder of IVF Support UAE
- cassie@ivfsupportuae.com
- www.ivfsupportuae.com
- @ivfsupportuae
Claire Innes
Fertility & Nutrition Coach
- claire@thefertilitymentor.org.uk
- www.thefertilitymentor.org.uk
- @thereal.fertilitymentor
Mel Johnson
Solo Parenthood Coach, Founder of The Stork and I
- mel@thestorkandi.com
- www.thestorkandi.com
- @the_stork_and_I
Maria McMaster
- info@fertilityfitnesscoaching.com
- fertilityfitnesscoaching.com
- @fertilityfitnesscoaching
Elli Kasbi
Founder & Owner of Elli Junior
- elli@ellijunior.com
- www.ellijunior.com
- @ellijunior
Tina Padia
IVF & Motherhood Coach
- tina@tinafertilitycoach.com
- www.tinafertilitycoach.com
- @tinaarjunpadia
Hannah Pearn
Fertility Acupuncturist
- hello@hannahpearn.com
- www.hannahpearn.com
- @donttellmetorelax
Ian Stones
Male Fertility Coach / Founder of testhim
- info@testhim.com
- testhim.com
- @testhimltd
Stephanie Toulemonde
Emotional Coach
- info@stephanietoulemonde.com
- www.stephanietoulemonde.com
- @stephanie_toulemonde_coaching
Julia Young
Fertility Nutritionist
- info@juliayoungnutrition.com
- juliayoungnutrition.com
- @juliayoungnutrition
We hope you enjoyed this month’s Fertility Focus.
